How Chlorine Affects Acne and Sensitivity
Nothing says summer like spending the day by the pool. ☀️💦
While swimming is a great way to cool off, chlorine can be tough on your skin—especially if you’re acne-prone or have sensitive skin.
The good news? You don’t have to skip pool days to keep your skin healthy. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the water while protecting your skin barrier.
What Does Chlorine Do to Your Skin?
Chlorine is added to pools to kill bacteria and keep the water safe. While it’s great for keeping pools clean, it doesn’t know the difference between harmful bacteria and the beneficial oils that help keep your skin healthy.
As a result, chlorine can potentially:
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Strip away your skin’s natural oils
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Weaken your skin barrier
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Leave skin feeling dry, tight, or itchy
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Increase redness and sensitivity
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Make acne-prone skin feel more irritated
When your skin barrier becomes compromised, it has a harder time holding onto moisture and protecting itself from outside irritants. This can make breakouts more difficult to manage and leave your skin feeling uncomfortable.
Can Chlorine Make Acne Worse?
Chlorine doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can contribute to conditions that make breakouts more likely.
When skin becomes overly dry from chlorine exposure, it may respond by producing more oil to compensate. Excess oil, combined with sweat, sunscreen, and debris, can clog pores and lead to new blemishes.
If you’re currently treating acne with products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids, chlorine may also make your skin feel more sensitive than usual.
How to Protect Your Skin Before Swimming
A little preparation goes a long way!
Before jumping in:
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Apply a thin layer of aquaphor or vaseline to help protect the skin from chlorine.
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Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher that’s water-resistant or waterproof.
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Avoid exfoliating right before swimming if your skin is already feeling sensitive.
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Stay hydrated.
Your Post-Pool Skincare Routine
After swimming, try to rinse off as soon as possible. Letting chlorine sit on your skin for hours can increase dryness and irritation.
Follow this simple routine:
Step 1: Cleanse
Use a gentle cleanser to remove chlorine, sunscreen, sweat, and impurities without stripping your skin.
Step 2: Hydrate
Apply a hydrating serum if it’s part of your routine to replenish moisture.
Step 3: Moisturize
Lock in hydration with a barrier-supporting moisturizer to help repair and soothe your skin.
Step 4: Protect
If you’re heading back outside, don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen.
Keep Your Summer Glow
Pool days and healthy skin can absolutely go together. The key is protecting your skin barrier before you swim and replenishing hydration afterward.
If you’ve noticed your skin feeling more irritated, dry, or breaking out after spending time in the pool, your skincare routine may just need a seasonal adjustment.
At Poppin Skin Spa, we’re here to help you find products and treatments that keep your skin healthy all summer long. Be sure to ask Tara at your next appointment for personalized recommendations based on your skin’s unique needs.
Happy swimming besties! And don’t forget your SPF! ☀️💖